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A client has a tentative diagnosis of myasthenia gravis. The nurse recognizes that myasthenia gravis involves:

Loss of the myelin sheath in portions of the brain and spinal cord
An interruption in the transmission of impulses from nerve endings to muscles
Progressive weakness and loss of sensation that begins in the lower extremities
Loss of coordination and stiff "cogwheel" rigidity

1 Answer

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Final answer:

Myasthenia gravis is an autoimmune disorder where antibodies attack acetylcholine receptors at the neuromuscular junction, causing impaired nerve signal transmission and resulting in muscle weakness and fatigue.

Step-by-step explanation:

Myasthenia gravis is an autoimmune disorder characterized by the production of antibodies that block acetylcholine receptors at the neuromuscular junction. This blocking impairs the transmission of nerve impulses to muscles, which is necessary for muscle contraction. As a result, patients experience muscle weakness and fatigue, with symptoms often starting with the muscles controlling eye movements and facial expressions before progressing to involve other muscles used for actions such as swallowing, chewing, and breathing.

The correct answer to the question about the involvement of myasthenia gravis is an interruption in the transmission of impulses from nerve endings to muscles. Contrary to the loss of myelin sheath or central nervous system diseases like multiple sclerosis, myasthenia gravis specifically affects the peripheral nervous system at the neuromuscular junction, where the immune system mistakenly targets the receptors needed for muscle activation.

Myasthenia gravis involves the disruption of nerve signal transmission to muscles, leading to muscle weakness and fatigue. This is due to autoantibodies blocking acetylcholine receptors at the neuromuscular junction. (In under 300 words)

User Kannan K
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